Bristol Rovers U18 4 Argyle 1

A SENDING OFF for Argyle goalkeeper Harry Townsend turned a strong performance and potentially excellent result into a day for forget for Argyle's Academy side.

Argyle were facing a strong wind in the first half but shook the Gas by taking a seventh minute lead after Luke Jephcott's fine run down the right saw his cross reach the onrushing Reuben Collum who scooped a right foot shot into the roof of the home net at the far post.

The Greens had to defend well in the first half with Townsend making a few good saves although they could have doubled their lead but Aaron Goulty failed to convert a good chance.

Argyle were coping well until Townsend was shown a red card in conceding a 75th minute penalty. Full back Harry Hodges took over the goalkeeper's jersey and his first task was to face the penalty from which the Gas levelled the score.

Rovers scored three times in the closing stages to pull the game away from Argyle. "We kept going until the final whistle but the sending off completely altered the course of the game," said manager Kevin Hodges.